NEXUS Primary Health (Nexus) and Sunbury and Cobaw Community Health (SCCH) are excited to share the first step in exploring the creation of a stronger, more resilient community health service for people who live in Hume, Macedon Ranges, Mitchell, Murrindindi, and Strathbogie council areas.
Earlier this month, Nexus transitioned to a governance structure led by SCCH. While both organisations remain separate entities, they will be governed by the same board, and Nexus’ Chief Executive Officer will report to SCCH’s Chief Executive Officer.
Joint Board Chair Peter Donlon said the transition was an exciting step in exploring the creation of a unified health service and that over the coming months, both organisations would focus on better understanding each other to see how health outcomes and services could be improved through a merger.
“Each organisation would need to be satisfied with the outcomes of this due diligence process before any decision to merge is made,” he said.
“For the time being, it is business as usual, with no changes to workforce or service delivery, as we continue to deliver quality care to our clients and communities.”
Mr Donlon also said that consultation with staff and key stakeholders would be a key part of the process.
“Staff are the backbone of both organisations, and we’re committed to keeping teams informed every step of the way,” he said.
“Any decision to merge would involve extensive consultation with staff and key stakeholders, with all steps following enterprise agreements, awards, and other workplace requirements.”
Nexus’s Chief Executive Daniel Ciccosillo said the decision by both services’ boards to explore a merger reflected a shared commitment to improving access to safe, high-quality, and sustainable healthcare and community services across the organisations’ catchment areas.
“With a strong history of collaboration through initiatives like the Commonwealth Home Support Programme and the Alliance of Rural and Regional Community Health, both Nexus and SCCH are dedicated to delivering better outcomes for the communities we serve,” he said.
“The healthcare sector continues to face significant challenges, including growing demand for services, workforce shortages, and financial pressures.
“By exploring this merger, we are aiming to strengthen our capacity to meet these challenges head-on and ensure we remain well-positioned to deliver essential services to the community now and into the future.”
SCCH’s Chief Executive David Wild said that while the collaboration was just the beginning of the process, both organisations would remain focused on delivering the high standard of care clients have come to expect.
“A strong local community focus will be maintained throughout this process to ensure the unique needs of each community are met,” he said.
“Continuity of care for clients remains a top priority every step of the way.
“We’re excited about the opportunities this exploration could bring, and we will continue to share updates as they become available.
“Together, we’re committed to delivering better, more connected healthcare for our communities into the future.”
